BIO

I graduated as a Ph.D. in Agriculture and Environmental Engineering in 2013 from the National Pingtung
University of Science and Technology in Taiwan, where I also obtained my Master’s degree in Agribusiness Management in 2007. During my five years of doctoral studies I was involved in projects focusing on agriculture waste management for biochar production and its application in soil, and the evaluation of bottom ashes from waste incineration plants and its impact on agriculture, managing to publish 9 scientific papers in relation with biochar, MSWI Bottom Ash and water. I was awarded with the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology price to graduate students with outstanding research performance on June 2013, due to my publications and research presentation in conferences.
On September 2013, I returned to my mother land El Salvador, in Central America. I worked from October
2013 to January 2015 as an Operations manager/researcher for a company that develops Bio-fertilizers
containing microorganisms (specifically bacteria and fungi) which promote the adequate supply of nutrients to the host plants and ensure their proper development of growth and regulation in their physiology, my job was related with farmers training, research, and field applications/results.
On February 2015 I got a new job opportunity and the National Water Company of El Salvador, where I am currently working as an Environmental Technician. As part of the job I supervise Environmental Impact Studies and Environmental Diagnostics for potable water treatment plants, I am also in charge of the Environmental Inspections to water treatment plants (verification of the potabilization process with Chlorine Gas). In 2018, the company gave me the opportunity of starting with research related with water quality in rural areas, for the research, we used handmade water filters that are fabricated with a mixture of clay and rice husk, the results obtained after filtrating the water collected from wells and lakes in the rural area showed a very positive outcome in terms of water decontamination. I also had the opportunity of advising students from 2 recognized Universities from El Salvador, in a biochar project for water treatment in small communities. Since my doctoral studies biochar has always been my passion, that gave me the motivation to start a small entrepreneurship; I produce biochar in a small scale in a modest reactor from bamboo and wood residues, from it, I develop products like: biochar powder for skin care, biochar powder for tooth cleaning, lip balms, shampoo, soap, etc. (Instragram: carbon_negativo). In between the office work, my 7 year old daughter and the free time on the week; I prepare the products at my small workshop and deliver them on the weekends. Is very satisfying to see how the products have a good acceptance.

Cuento con un Ph.D. en Agricultura e Ingeniería Medioambiental de la Universidad Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología de Pingtung, Taiwán de la cual también obtuve una Maestría en Agronegocios. Durante mis cinco años de estudios de doctorado desarrolle varios proyectos, los cuales están enfocados en manejo de desechos orgánicos para la producción de “biochar” (biocarbon) asimismo en la aplicación y repercusión de dicho producto en los suelos y cultivos. También he estado involucrada en estudios de cenizas de fondo provenientes de incineradoras de residuos sólidos, evaluando su impacto en la agricultura. En Junio 2013, se me otorgo el premio que la Universidad Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología de Pingtung da a los estudiantes con investigaciones destacadas, esto gracias a 9 publicaciones científicas y 19 presentaciones en conferencias tanto orales y póster. Volví a El Salvador en el año 2013, trabaje durante un año haciendo investigaciones sobre el uso de biofertilizantes en la agricultura intensiva del país, así como continúe con mi investigación sobre el biocarbon. El 2015 inicie mi propia empresa bajo el nombre de “Soluciones Carbono Negativo”, la cual se especializa en el área de asesoría para desarrollo de productos agroindustriales, emprendimiento y manejo de desechos orgánicos para su transformación en biocarbon; también elaboramos productos para el cuidado personal a partir del biocarbon. Actualmente laboro para la Administración Nacional de Acueductos y Alcantarillados (ANDA) como Técnico Ambiental, enfocada en el área de Estudios de Impacto Ambiental, Cambio Climático y recuperación/conservación del recurso hídrico. 

Comments

  1. UnknownMon Mar 14, 11:33:00 AM

    Hi Odette Varela,
    Greetings from myself,
    I am development policy activist in Bangladesh, working with national NGO named CCDB, We are trying to promote biochar for soil improvement in Bangladesh through rural households.
    I am interested to know more from you and possible technical cooperation.
    please let me know your views in this regards.
    Mahbub
    mailccdb@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

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